Nick Canepa's Chargers report card: vs. Titans

Denzel Perryman of the Chargers celebrates his interception with teammates during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee and Los Angeles at Wembley Stadium on Sunday in London.

Denzel Perryman of the Chargers celebrates his interception with teammates during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee and Los Angeles at Wembley Stadium on Sunday in London. (Clive Rose / Getty Images)

Union-Tribune columnist Nick Canepa issues his grades for the Chargers after Sunday's 20-19 victory over Tennessee in London.

Quarterbacks: A

Attempting to become the third-most popular Philip in London, Rivers hit Tyrell Williams on a 75-yard TD pass on his first play, taking up 9 seconds in Eurotime. Opened second half with a 55-yarder to Mike Williams. Defense couldn’t get him the ball enough (15 plays in the first half, 44 overall). Didn’t see open Keenan Allen in end zone. Was 19-of-26, 306 yards, 2 TDs, 137.7 rating. He’s very good right now.

Running backs: C+

With Melvin Gordon hamstrung and out, Austin Ekeler was given the keys and ran well, but not enough (12 carries, 42 yards). Gordon is a huge missing element.

Receivers: A-

Tyrell had the big first play and then the other Williams kid in class, Mike, opened the second half with a 55-yarder (then dropped perfect throw in end zone). Terribly frustrated Allen had some very important catches. Travis Benjamin returned.

Offensive line: B

Not its best performance, but good enough. Only 16 running plays called. Rivers was sacked twice, but for the most part had time (when given the ball).

Defensive line: D

Defense stunk. Played its softest game of the season and had trouble getting off the field vs. a terrible offense hit for 11 sacks and shut out last week. Brandon Mebane penetrated and made tackles. Darius Philon, getting around, had a sack, then whiffed on one. Melvin Ingram knocked down an early throw, had a huge tip of a pass picked by Denzel Perryman to halt a drive, then a sack.

Linebackers: D-

Old sickness returned. The defense set British record for missed tackles. Perryman had the big pick and 8 stops. Jatavis Brown whiffed on Marcus Mariota scramble.

Secondary: D-

Desmond King dropped a pick that would have eliminated 3 points. Adrian Philips got hurt (foot), returned, and got a hand on the ridiculous 2-point-try pass. Rookie Derwin James was in many places for run support (which was needed).

Special teams: D

Michael Badgley can’t get a touchback, and it’s affecting field position in a big way (this remains a game of real estate). Short fields. But he had two field goals. King, who has the knack, had a 33-yard punt return recalled. Rayshawn Jenkins had two awful penalties on returns. Donnie Jones had a punt to the 5, then the 11.

Coaching: F

Conservative Anthony Lynn, outcoached and outschemed, got away with one (thanks to Mike Vrabel brain flatulence). It would have been his loss. Disgraceful clock management at the end of regulation. With an enormous 10-6 lead, he chose not to use 29 seconds and two timeouts before the break. Didn’t go for it on 4th and short. Escaped another needless trick play. Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme, whatever it was, stunk. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt has had better days.

Next opportunity (bye): A

Maybe this liberty will result in Joey Bosa’s return and allow them to spend some time at home. Wait, they have no home.

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